Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’
$27.99
Metallic blue blades and airy pink panicles make Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ a strong vertical accent for sunny borders.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Metallic blue-green blades rise in a dense vertical clump, then airy pink panicles float above Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’ in late summer. The foliage turns amber yellow in fall and tan in winter, while persistent seed heads feed songbirds and maintain structure.
Grow it in full sun for the strongest upright form, in average to moist well-drained soil. It handles dry spells after establishment and occasional flooding, making it useful in borders, prairie plantings, rain gardens, and erosion-control designs. Cut old stems down in early spring before new growth begins. Dry winter foliage is highly flammable, so keep it away from ignition sources.
Additional information
| Height | 120 cm – 150 cm |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30 cm – 60 cm |
| Flowering months | July, August, September |
| Synonyms | Miscanthus sinensis Heavy Metal, Panicum virgatum Heavy Metal |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Propagation | Divide established clumps in mid-spring as new growth begins and replant the divisions promptly. |
| Pests | Generally pest-free, although Japanese beetles, spider mites, and thrips may occur. |
| Diseases | Crown rot, root rot, and rust in hot, humid conditions may occur. |
| Pruning | Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in early spring before new growth begins. |
| Hazardous information | Dry foliage is highly flammable; keep it away from ignition sources. |
| Hazardous | yes |
| Variegated | unknown |
| Watering instructions | Keep new clumps moist; established plants tolerate dry spells and flooding. |
| Sunlight instructions | Grow in full sun for upright stems; light partial shade is tolerated. |
| Color flower autumn | Pink |
| Color flower summer | Pink |
| Aspect | South, West |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Columnar upright, Clump-former |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained, Well Drained Soil |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Column, Upright |
| Suggest planting location | Flowering borders, Patio and container use, Wildlife friendly gardens, Prairie style planting, Rain Garden |
| Type | Grass |
| Use for | Architectural, Bird-Friendly, Erosion Control |
| Years to max height | 2 |
| Drought resistance | yes |
| Soil | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Local names | Heavy Metal Switchgrass |
| Blomidon Item No | MO23021298, Z1PANVIHM0001G |
| Usps | Metallic blue blades form a narrow, strongly upright summer column., Airy pink panicles, golden fall color, and tan stems extend the display. |